Former Bottle Artist Selected as Winner of Early Times® Mint Julep Artist Search Contest

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The second Early Times® Mint Julep Artist Search Contest has concluded and Early Times is welcoming back a former bottle artist as this year's winner. After receiving dozens of entries from across the country, Celeste Susany of Saratoga Springs, NY was chosen as the winner for her artwork entitled "Out of the Gate."

For the past 25 years, the Early Times Mint Julep has proudly served as the "Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby®" with a commemorative artwork bottle released for the past 13 of those 25 years. Susany's winning artwork will be featured on this year's Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle. In addition, she will receive $5,000 and a trip for two to the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

For 11 of the 13 commemorative bottles, the paintings of Susany had graced the bottle. 2010 marked her final year with her masterwork entitled "A Golden Moment" featuring the field of contenders galloping along the back stretch while the twin spires stand majestically in the background. With 2010 marking Susany's final year of doing the artwork for the commemorative bottle, Early Times held the first nationwide contest where artists were able to submit their original artwork for consideration to be featured on the bottle. The 2011 winner was Marita Walizer of Oklahoma City, OK for her artwork entitled "Derby Cheers."

This year, consumers had a chance to become the 2012 Early Times Mint Julep bottle artist by logging on to the Early Times website and submitting their "Kentucky Derby Day" artwork. In the end, Susany's work was chosen and she will return for her 12th year as the official bottle artist.

"What an honor it is to have my artwork selected to be on the Early Times Mint Julep commemorative bottle, especially being chosen among other great artists," said Susany. "After a year away from doing the artwork, I am excited to be back for the 2012 Kentucky Derby."

During this year's Derby week, more than 120,000 Early Times Mint Juleps are expected to be served at Churchill Downs®. Over the past 25 years, more than 2.5 million Early Times Mint Juleps have been served between Kentucky Oaks® and Derby Days at Churchill Downs. This year's Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands will take place Saturday, May 5, 2012.

The newly labeled one-liter pre-mix bottle will begin hitting shelves in early April. It will be available in limited quantities throughout the United States for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

About Early Times Kentucky Whisky:
Early Times Mint Julep, 30% ABV, is the "Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby" made at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Early Times Kentucky Whisky is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel's, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Old Forester and Korbel California Champagnes.  Early Times reminds you to drink responsibly. For more information on Early Times Kentucky Whisky visit www.earlytimes.com.

About Churchill Downs®:
Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012, and its Spring Meet is scheduled for April 28-July 1.  The track has hosted the Breeders' Cup World Championships a record eight times.  Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.
Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

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Early Times Mint Julep, 30% Alc. by Volume, Louisville, KY
©2012 EARLY TIMES is a registered trademark

SOURCE Early Times Kentucky Whisky